World

Kejelcha breaks men's half marathon world record by 29 seconds

BBC World · 2026-08-23

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha broke the men's half marathon world record in Buenos Aires, finishing in 56 minutes and 51 seconds, surpassing the previous record by 29 seconds. • Why it matters: This achievement reestablishes Kejelcha as the world record holder in the half marathon and highlights his exceptional talent in long-distance running, following a competitive season. • What to watch next: The athletics community will be awaiting the official ratification of Kejelcha's new record and his future performances, as he continues to be a prominent figure in the sport.

**Kejelcha Breaks Men's Half Marathon World Record by 29 Seconds**

Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha has made headlines by breaking the men's half marathon world record during a World Athletics road race held in Buenos Aires on Sunday. Kejelcha completed the race in an impressive time of 56 minutes and 51 seconds, surpassing the previous record by a significant 29 seconds.

The 29-year-old athlete's remarkable achievement comes after a competitive season in which he previously held the half marathon record with a time of 57:30, set in Valencia in October 2024. However, that record was taken from him earlier this year when Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo clocked in at 57:20 during a race in Lisbon.

Kejelcha's latest performance not only reestablishes him as the world record holder but also showcases his exceptional talent and determination in long-distance running. His new record is pending official ratification, but it marks a significant milestone in his athletic career.

In addition to his half marathon success, Kejelcha is known for his versatility on the track. He is a world track silver medallist in the 10,000 meters and holds the world record for the men's 10,000 meters road race. Earlier this year, he also became one of the first men to run a sub-two-hour marathon under record-eligible conditions, finishing second in the London Marathon. In that race, he was narrowly defeated by Kenya's Sebastian Sawe, who set a remarkable time of 1:59:30, just 11 seconds ahead of Kejelcha.

Kejelcha's achievements reflect his status as one of the leading figures in athletics, particularly in long-distance events. His latest record-breaking run is expected to inspire many aspiring athletes and contribute to the ongoing evolution of competitive running.

As the athletics community awaits the official confirmation of his new half marathon record, Kejelcha's performance in Buenos Aires stands as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Source: BBC World
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